Parent Testimonial
“Her confidence is through the roof — and she made the honor roll.”
Kevin F.Connors parent — on his daughter's progress
Kids No-Gi Jiu Jitsu · Norwood, MA
Kids learn by doing — not by listening to lectures
Connors' kids program is real No-Gi Jiu Jitsu taught the way our adults train: live, active classes where kids learn by doing. Your child's first class is free — come see how they take to it.
Ages5–8 · Ages 9 and up · All ages Sundays
WhereNorwood only
Price$150/mo · first class free
Est. 2005
Teaching in Norwood
5.0 ★
Google Rating
104
Google Reviews
4 Days
Of Kids Classes Weekly
From Our Parents
What parents see change
A Connors parent on his daughter's progress, and six of the academy's Google reviews from parents — the academy is rated 5.0 stars across 104 Google reviews.
★★★★★
Google Review
My daughter started doing Jiujitsu at Connor's MMA about 3 years ago. What started off as her father simply wanting her to learn some self-defense, has turned into something so much more! My daughter has always been active and strong. We tried many activities, but nothing ever seemed to be the right fit. But that all changed once she stepped her foot into Connors MMA. She finally found something she truly loves and excels at! This place is great for both Kids and Adults! My daughter has blossomed in so many ways since joining Connors MMA. She has not only grown in strength and confidence, but has also developed a love for a sport where she can excel at her own pace. The Coaches are exceptional, not just in their expertise but in the way they connect with each child. They truly understand how to bring out the best in every student, making learning fun while also instilling discipline, perseverance, and respect. What sets this gym apart is the sense of community. Everyone, from the coaches to the families, is so supportive and welcoming. It's a place where kids feel encouraged to grow and push themselves, and where families feel like they belong. I'm so grateful we found Connors MMA, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a place where their child can thrive, both on and off the mat. Thank you, Connors MMA, for everything you do for our kids!
Litsa F.Google review
★★★★★
Google Review
I used to train here years ago and loved the place. Great coaches, great people to train. Recently my child has gotten into jiu jitsu and so of course I brought him here too. He is really enjoying the classes and likes all of the couches. In the past I've gone to a few different gyms, and this one was the best by far
Andrew T.Google review
★★★★★
Google Review
The real deal. Definitely recommend for kids or adult classes. Amazing coaches. Family atmosphere. No need to look any further!
Melissa D.Google review
★★★★★
Google Review
Great activity to get in shape our kids love it
Will F.Google review
★★★★★
Google Review
I joined almost eight years ago and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I've learned a lot and have met some great people who have become my friends. The kids program is outstanding and my son started there when he was six. He's now thirteen and for him it has been a very positive experience. It has helped him mentally and physically grow. The coaches are top notch and Coach John has been a superb instructor.
Scott M.Google review
★★★★★
Google Review
Great people, great coaching, great environment.
Rebecca M.Google review
How We Train
No long lectures. Just training.
That's the academy's philosophy for every age group. Kids classes run on the Constraints-Led Approach — the same method behind our adult program — adapted to each age group.
Learn by doing
Instead of long explanations and static drilling, kids train live in games and situations designed so the technique is the solution. They stay moving, engaged, and learning the whole class.
Real skills, real coaching
Your child learns actual No-Gi Jiu Jitsu from the academy's black belt coaches — the same coaches who train our adult competitors — not a watered-down version of it.
Competition — only if they want it
Many of our students compete, and there's a dedicated kids competition class on Wednesdays for those who do. But competing is always optional. Plenty of kids train just for the training, and that's exactly fine.
Step by Step
A Typical Class
- 1
Line up and bow in. Coaches and students line up facing each other and bow to start class.
- 2
Warmup. The coach leads kids through a brief warmup with stretching.
- 3
Right into live training. Then they get right into live training: coaches lead students through Jiu-Jitsu based games.
- 4
A position, two goals. They set up a position and give both players goals to move towards. This is usually a smaller part of the full game of jiu jitsu.
- 5
Reach the goal, reset, switch. Once a player reaches their goal they stop and reset, switching roles.
- 6
4 to 7 games a class. Each class consists of somewhere between 4 and 7 games. It's common that as the last round they play the full game of jiu jitsu.
- 7
Thank your partners. To end the class, students shake their training partners' hands and thank them for training.
- 8
Bow out. Then they line up, bow to the coaches, and walk through and thank the coaches.
Class Schedule
Kids classes by age group
All kids classes are No-Gi and meet at our Norwood academy. Find your child's age group, pick a day, and their first class is free.
Youngest GroupAges 5–8
- Tuesday4:00 – 4:30 pm
- Thursday4:00 – 4:30 pm
Older KidsAges 9 and up
- Tuesday4:30 – 5:15 pm
- Thursday4:30 – 5:15 pm
Everybody TogetherAll Ages
- Sunday10:00 – 10:45 am
Optional · For CompetitorsCompetition Class
- Wednesday4:00 – 5:00 pm
Bonus — Friday Open Mat, 5:00–6:30 pm: kids Ages 9 and up are welcome at Friday open mat, training alongside our adult students. It's open training time rather than a coached class — a good extra session for older kids who want more mat time.
Your Child's First Class
No pressure, no special gear
What happens at the first class
All of our classes are beginner friendly — a total beginner can come to any class.
Beginners jump right into the action — that's how kids learn here, by doing. If your child feels more comfortable watching their first class instead, that's completely fine too.
And they can take as many breaks as they need. Nobody is pushed past what they're ready for.
What to wear & bring
- Comfortable workout clothes — preferably no pockets or zippers
- Finger and toe nails trimmed short
- All kids classes are No-Gi — our uniform is a rashguard and shorts, but purchasing them is optional
Kids Coaches
Who teaches your child
The kids program is coached by the academy's own instructors — including the head instructor himself.
Head Instructor
Professor John Connors
John has run the academy since 2005 and teaches the kids classes himself. His IBJJF titles include 7x Masters World Champion, 7x Masters European Champion, and 10x Pan Champion.
Coach · Kids & Adults
Rory Connors
A black belt under his father John, Rory coaches the Kids and Adults classes and specializes in No-Gi grappling — the style your child will learn from day one. He's been training and coaching kids since 2016. He leads most of the kids classes.
Coach · Kids BJJ
Jesse McElligott
First degree black belt and former professional MMA fighter (7–3 pro record). Jesse coaches Kids BJJ at Norwood alongside the adult classes. He's been training since 2007 and coaching kids classes since 2008.
Assistant · Kids Classes
Bob Venuti
Purple belt Bob Venuti assists with the Kids classes, helping newer students settle in and get the most out of every session. He's been training since 2016.
Pricing
Simple, flat pricing
One monthly rate for the full kids program — every age-group class, the Sunday all-ages class, and the Wednesday competition class included.
Kids No-Gi Jiu Jitsu
$150 /month
Plus a one-time $75 registration fee when you sign up. That's the whole cost — kids classes run four days a week at Norwood.
Family discounts available
First Class Free
$0
Your child's trial is one full free class. Book it below, show up in workout clothes, and see how they like it before you pay anything.
Parent FAQ
Questions parents ask us
What ages do you teach?
Kids classes are grouped by age: Ages 5–8 (Tue & Thu, 4:00–4:30 pm), Ages 9 and up (Tue & Thu, 4:30–5:15 pm), and an All Ages class on Sundays (10:00–10:45 am) where the groups train together.
Is it Gi or No-Gi?
All of our kids classes are No-Gi Jiu Jitsu. Our uniform is a rashguard and shorts, but purchasing them is optional — comfortable workout clothes are fine to train in.
What does my child wear and bring?
Our uniform is a rashguard and shorts, but purchasing them is optional — comfortable workout clothes, preferably with no pockets or zippers, are fine otherwise. Finger and toe nails trimmed short. That's everything they need for class.
What happens at the first class?
Beginners jump right into the action — unless they'd feel more comfortable watching, which is fine too. They can take as many breaks as they need. The trial class works exactly the same way.
Is there punching and kicking?
No. We teach how to control a resisting body.
Will my child get hurt or injured?
Like any physical activity, there's always some risk — but classes are coached and supervised, kids go at their own pace and can take a break whenever they need one, and there's no punching or kicking. It's grappling: learning to control a resisting body.
My child has never trained before. Can they still come?
Yes — all of our classes are beginner friendly, so a total beginner can come to any class. No experience is needed to start.
Can parents watch the kids classes?
Yes — parents can watch kids classes. You're welcome to stay and see what your child is learning.
How much does it cost?
Kids membership is $150/month, plus a one-time $75 registration fee at sign-up. See pricing above.
Is the trial really free?
Yes — your child's first class is a free trial class. Book it here or call us at (617) 285-2401.
Does my child have to compete?
No. Competition is an opportunity, never a requirement. Kids who want to compete can join the Wednesday competition class (4:00–5:00 pm); kids who don't are just as much a part of the program.
Where are the kids classes?
Kids classes are currently held at our Norwood location: 59 Davis Ave, 2nd Floor (Unit 204), Norwood, MA 02062. We plan on offering kids classes in Roslindale once we have a permanent location there. Get directions.
Free Trial
Book a free kids trial class
Tell us who's coming and we'll get your child on the mats at Norwood. The first class is free.
How it works:
- Fill in the form — it takes under a minute
- We follow up to confirm your child's class time
- Show up in workout clothes (no pockets or zippers), nails trimmed
- Your child can jump in, watch first, and take breaks anytime
Prefer to talk it through? Call us at (617) 285-2401.
Kids classes are at Norwood only — 59 Davis Ave, 2nd Floor, Norwood, MA 02062.
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Location
Kids classes are in Norwood
Connors Martial Arts Academy — Norwood
59 Davis Ave, 2nd Floor (Unit 204)
Norwood, MA 02062
All kids classes meet here. Our second location in Roslindale runs adults-only classes, so please bring your child to Norwood.
Phone: (617) 285-2401
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